Officers bike into region in solidarity display

West Chester University Police Officer Jose Davila, left, and Westtown-East Goshen Police Officer Ted Cam, center, lead the pack of cyclist down South High Street on the campus of WCU for lunch during the Police Unity Tour in West Chester on Thursday, May 9, 2013. Law Enforcement Officers are riding about 280 miles from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., ending at the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall and Museum.
Staff Photo By Vinny Tennis

WEST CHESTER — About 100 police officers from across the region embarked on a 250-mile bicylce ride Thursday to raise money and awareness in memory of fallen law enforcement officers.

After beginning the day in Philadelphia and stopping at the Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial in Rosetree Park, the riders halted for a break at West Chester University Thursday afternoon. While there, three local officers recognized those who helped make their ride possible.

Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department Officer Ted Cam, West Whiteland Officer Jeff McCloskey and West Chester University Officer Jose Davila were among the riders who came through the area, and each offered their superior officers with a certificate of appreciation for allowing them to embark on the memorial ride that ends at the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum in Washington, D.C.

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The annual ride began in 1997 with 18 riders and since then has raised more than $12 million for the law enforcement memorial.

The ride is intended to spread awareness and honor law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty. Cam will ride in memory of two Honolulu Police Department officers who died in the line of duty in 2012.

Each officer is required to raise $1,750 to ride in the event. All funds above that amount directly benefit the memorial and museum. Last year Cam raised $6,000 for the event, and this year he has raised his goal to $7,500.

West Chester University provided the space and food for Thursday’s lunch break. In addition to each local officer’s superior officer, the riders presented plaques of appreciation to John Abel of Abel’s Towing, and the Westtown-East Goshen Police Relief Association. The officers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the ride that honors fallen law enforcement officers.

“As all of you know, we can’t do this without the permission of our departments. They’re very supportive of us, and this small token of recognition and appreciation is thanking them to allow us to do this,” Cam said as he presented a certificate to his department’s chief, Brenda Bernot. “We couldn’t do this without the support of our chiefs.”

Following the lunch and brief ceremony, the riders got back on their bikes and headed south. In the coming days, they will meet up with about 1500 other officers who are also riding to Washington.